4 Myths About Concierge Medicine

April 25, 2016

As concierge medicine continues to grow, physicians and patients are both considering making the switch. Before deciding, they need to know what’s fact and what’s fiction to avoid confusion and unnecessary concerns. We’ve dispelled some of the most common myths about concierge medicine below.

MYTH: Concierge medicine isn’t affordable.

FACT: When concierge medicine began wealthy patients who wanted a more personalized experience typically used it, but the industry has greatly changed in the last decade. Today, you can get a concierge physician for approximately $125-150 a month, according to Concierge Medicine Today, which is about the same as the cost of your daily Starbucks fix.

Many people assume that paying a concierge medicine retainer plus health insurance premiums will make it too expensive. Instead, we have found that many patients can switch to concierge medicine while maintaining or even lowering their medical costs. Changing to a high-deductible health insurance plan with smaller premiums can offset the retainer, which you can often pay with a health savings account.

MYTH: Concierge medicine practices will lead to less primary care doctors.

FACT: The healthcare industry is currently facing a severe lack of primary care doctors as more and more physicians choose other specialties out of medical school. Young doctors no longer want to see dozens of patients a day and make significantly less than specialists. Even though concierge physicians see a smaller number of patients, they are not contributing to this problem. The only way we can get more primary care physicians is to change the system, and in the meantime, physicians need to focus on providing the best care they can whether it is in a traditional or concierge medicine practice.

MYTH: Concierge physicians are greedy.

FACT: According to Concierge Medicine Today, a concierge physician typically makes a salary equivalent to a specialist, like a cardiologist, gastroenterologist or radiologist. Switching to concierge medicine allows physicians to provide better patient care while either maintaining or increasing their income. Many concierge physicians take time to see some patients free of charge as charity work as well.

MYTH: Concierge healthcare is illegal or unethical.

FACT: Concierge medicine actually reduces conflicts of interest because there is not a third party involved. Members pay their physician directly for non covered services, and the physician advocates directly for his patients.

Concierge medicine is a great option for both physicians and patients. If you have any other questions about switching to concierge medicine, contact us today to we’ll be happy to help.